Judgment at Berlin

If you thought that the issue of American spying on world leaders was going to go away, think again. At least, as far as the Germans are concerned, it's not gonna happen. A federal prosecutor there is opening an investigation on the matter. Regardless of its outcome, the investigation will keep the embarrassing issue alive for some time to come.

This is as it should be. Something like this is not to be taken lightly. There should be both political and legal consequences. National sovereignty is no small matter. Imagine if it had been the other way around. The Americans would be screaming "bloody murder", seeking to apply their brand of extraterritorial jurisdiction and demanding extradition for everybody and their mothers.

The Germans are right in not letting this slide.

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